In a delightful journey of culinary art and cultural heritage, 16-year-old Isabelle, who proudly embraces both English and Spanish roots, has captured hearts with her stunning cookbook, "A Taste of Tradition." This remarkable project is not just a school assignment—it’s a labor of love paying tribute to her family’s cherished recipes.

From the age of 15, Isabelle meticulously curated a selection of beloved family dishes, including her Spanish great aunt's zesty paella, her grandfather's savory empanadas, and her English grandfather’s comforting cottage pie. She combined heartfelt stories with her artistic flair, drafting ingredient lists and crafting beautiful watercolor illustrations that vividly brought each dish to life.

"Cooking has always been a huge part of my life, especially with my Spanish heritage, where food plays an integral role in our culture," Isabelle shared. Her passion is infectious as she describes her favorite Spanish dishes, noting how the bright colors of the ingredients inspire her illustrations.

Isabelle’s empanada recipe holds a special place in her heart, as it's a cherished memory she shares with her grandfather every time they visit Spain. She also found joy in painting the paella, excited by the vibrant colors and textures of the seafood, stating that experimenting with different painting techniques added to her creative experience.

The emotional response from Isabelle’s family upon seeing the finished cookbooks was overwhelmingly positive, with her relatives eager for their own copies. Isabelle expressed her surprise at how well the book turned out, stating, "They’re all begging for a copy!" Her mother, Natali Simmonds, a writer herself, commented on the significance of seeing her daughter’s creativity shine, enhanced by her father’s background as a graphic designer.

When Natali shared Isabelle's project on X, it skyrocketed to popularity, racking up over half a million views and countless likes. The tidal wave of appreciation from strangers prompted many to inquire about purchasing the cookbook, leaving Isabelle astonished. "I didn’t expect that type of reaction!" she exclaimed, admitting her critical eye often makes her doubt her art.

With dreams of continuing her creative path, Isabelle is considering creating a more commercial version of her cookbook. "I really enjoyed the process and would love to do it all again when I have the time," she said.

Having discovered her passion for design at just eight years old, Isabelle is already eyeing potential universities for her future studies. The success of her cookbook has opened her eyes to the possibilities ahead, with plans to pursue art and product design at a London sixth form school this September. Isabelle is a rising star, blending her love for cooking and creativity into a promising future.